Get it on

Google Play

Download on the

App Store

Get it on

Google Play

Download on the

App Store

Home

Football

Football News

FIFA New Red Card Rule Racism

FIFA to Implement New Red Card Rule in 2026 World Cup after Vinicius Racism Controversy

Arpan Mondal

Published - Mar 02, 2026, 08:31 AM

3 min

Add

As Preferred Source

With the football world buzzing with Vini Jr racism controversy, FIFA president Gianni Infantino dropped a bombshell comment, referring to what happened in the Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League first leg in Lisbon. Following a heated on-field incident, Vinicius, one of the best Brazilian players of this generation, alleged that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni had racially abused him during the war of words.

Vini immediately took action and tried to draw the referee’s attention to Prestianni’s suspicious gesture of covering his mouth with his shirt while talking to the opposition forward. The ambience of the stadium turned chaotic as home supporters started booing Vinicius. Even in the post-match presser, several Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe, showed their support for the Brazilian star.

FIFA President Comments on Vini Jr Racism Controversy

Days have passed since the Champions League controversy. In the meantime, Real Madrid and Benfica wrapped up their second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Spanish giants registered a 2-1 victory to book their berth in the knockouts.

Now, when the globe is gearing up for the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June-July 2026, Gianni Infantino has spilled the beans on what unfolded in Estádio da Luz. Infantino was evidently irritated by the reaction of Prestianni. The FIFA president spoke firmly against racism in football, pointing to Prestianni’s debatable actions.

During a conversation with Sky Sports, Gianni Infantino stated (as quoted by ESPN);

If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously.

Calling for further investigation into the Vini Jr racism controversy, the FIFA chief added,

There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth. Of course, when you deal with a disciplinary case, you have to analyse the situation, you have to have evidence, but we cannot just be satisfied with that going forward.

New Red Card Rule Planned Before FIFA World Cup 2026

Infantino’s comments sparked talks about a potential rule change in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. As per recent reports, the football administration committee has already started discussions after the Vini Jr controversy and may introduce a new red card rule for players covering their mouths to talk on the field.

“You can see when a player is talking to an opponent, there are very few circumstances where they should need to cover their mouth when they're confronting them,” revealed English FA CEO and IFAB member Mark Bullingham.

The final decision could be taken in the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, slated to be hosted in Vancouver next month.